..Mark, Obi, Tambuwal, Amaechi, others welcomed the Kwankwasiyya leader into the ADC
By Yahaya Umar
The ancient city of Kano was agog yesterday as the State former governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has formally registered with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and received his membership card at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.
The registration followed Kwankwaso’s formal alignment with the ADC, in a move described as a defining moment for opposition politics in the state and Nigeria.
The ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, received Dr Kwankwaso along with mammoth supporters at his residence yesterday.
Mark emphasised that Kwankwaso’s defection was more than a political realignment, describing it as a deliberate response to growing calls by Nigerians for a cohesive and formidable opposition capable of safeguarding democratic values.
He noted that the ADC now represents a rallying platform for a broad-based national movement anchored on inclusion, integrity, competence, and progress.
According to him, the coalition aims to provide Nigerians with credible alternatives and restore confidence in democratic governance.
Mark expressed concern over what he termed as a gradual erosion of opposition space, warning that actions capable of limiting political participation pose a threat to democracy.
Mark stressed the importance of preserving citizens’ right to freely choose their leaders.
“The future of Nigeria cannot be built on domination but on participation. Leadership must be earned through trust rather than sustained by control”, he said.
According to him, Kwankwaso commands a significant grassroots followers, particularly in Northern Nigeria, under the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The ADC chairman called on Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional divides to join the movement, urging citizens to take an active role in building a more inclusive and accountable system of governance.
He also extended an invitation to other political parties, civil society organisations, and youth groups to form a united coalition, noting that the task of strengthening democracy requires collective effort and sacrifice.
Mark expressed optimism that the emerging alliance would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey, urging citizens to embrace unity, participation, and hope in shaping the nation’s future.
Earlier, Kwankwaso urged ADC supporters to massively register as party members.
He also encouraged them to promote the party’s ideals and prepare to elect credible leaders for good governance through INEC registration.
AljazirahNigeria reports that Kwankwaso who was the presidential candidate of New Nigerian Peoples Party in 2023 general elections formally resigned from the party.
He was received into the ADC fold by other chieftains of the party including: ADC National Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and former Anambra State governor who was the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Mr Peter Obi, former Sokoto State governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Senator Dino Melaye; former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha among others.
